New Value for Old AX

[Olive]

I'm considering putting my AIAX up for sale. It's a 24" Bartlein 6.5Creedmoor SAS break and It's fully loaded and in "Like New" condition. 7 months old and has 180 rounds through it. Now that Accuracy International has come out with their new line. What would you pay for the rifle described? All comments welcome.

 

[Roddd]

Unfortunately, I think you'll take a hit on your AX with the new MC out now. I think us AW owners will as well, but I don't plan to sell my AW. I think the AI vendors will have to sell their remaining AW and AX inventory for cheaper than they were prior to the release of the new lineup. I think it would be best to wait for them to adjust their prices before you list yours, or wait a year and it may be a "novelty item".

 

[10fp]

your best bet is to hold off and let the hoopla die down. in 6-12 months people will still want all the ax aw rifles.

 

[sct4a]

Given mile high has them on new for around 5200 mark I'd say somewhere in the high 4k - 5k range is fair. I see alot being sold all over asking for mid to high 5k range though but doesn't look like they are moving and given you can get a brand new one for less seems silly to ask that much.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

Unfortunately, I think you'll take a hit on your AX with the new MC out now. I think us AW owners will as well, but I don't plan to sell my AW. I think the AI vendors will have to sell their remaining AW and AX inventory for cheaper than they were prior to the release of the new lineup. I think it would be best to wait for them to adjust their prices before you list yours, or wait a year and it may be a "novelty item".

This. With a folding AT around $4k I don't think you'd get more $4500 for an AX 6.5 right now and even then it would probably be a tough sale with everybody wanting the new model. I'd hold out for a bit. Eating a $2k+ upgraded is a lot of money for a quick change barrel system and a different butt stock.

I'll have a new AX eventually but my AX isn't going anywhere in the foreseeable future.

 

[mdmp5]

In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with holding on to the rifle you have. Are you wanting to get the next gen line? If so, then what happens when they upgrade it again? You will be running a race you cannot win. Good rifle you got there.

 

[Olive]

Bought mine in July for $7700. 7,000 and change after the 10% discount which I though I was offered for being "a nice guy". Not happy right now with either parties and I'm sure those who purchased around the same time I did are feeling the same way. Whatever the reason it just stinks when a product of this quality, that took me 2 years to save up for, drops in value by 30-40% percent in 6 months and the only reason for it is the manufacturer himself. One of the biggest reasons I purchased this rifle is the way I noticed they held their value. I guess you can flush that reason down the toilet. Now that I've spoken my mind the attack booth is open for comment.


P.S. I'm venting, thanks for listening

P.S.S. Holding on to it and using it is the most value I can get out of it, looks like a kidney is going up.....what are those going for?

 

[Foweis]

Bought mine in July for $7700. 7,000 and change after the 10% discount which I though I was offered for being "a nice guy". Not happy right now with either parties and I'm sure those who purchased around the same time I did are feeling the same way. Whatever the reason it just stinks when a product of this quality, that took me 2 years to save up for, drops in value by 30-40% percent in 6 months and the only reason for it is the manufacturer himself. One of the biggest reasons I purchased this rifle is the way I noticed they held their value. I guess you can flush that reason down the toilet. Now that I've spoken my mind the attack booth is open for comment.


P.S. I'm venting, thanks for listening

No attack booth, I feel you man. Same shit happened to me. I guess we will see what happens.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

Bought mine in July for $7700. 7,000 and change after the 10% discount which I though I was offered for being "a nice guy". Not happy right now with either parties and I'm sure those who purchased around the same time I did are feeling the same way. Whatever the reason it just stinks when a product of this quality, that took me 2 years to save up for, drops in value by 30-40% percent in 6 months and the only reason for it is the manufacturer himself. One of the biggest reasons I purchased this rifle is the way I noticed they held their value. I guess you can flush that reason down the toilet. Now that I've spoken my mind the attack booth is open for comment.


P.S. I'm venting, thanks for listening

That sucks man. I had wanted a AX since they came out and waited for a deal to pop up. Euro Optic listed a couple up in April at a heavy discount and that's when I got mine. I paid $5100 shipped which is what everybody is paying with the sale that's going now. I'm definitely happy I held out for as long as I did or I'd be pissed too.

Even if I was buying today I still probably would have gone the same route, I wanted the AX chassis. I could have bought an AE MKIII folder with the same AINA barrel for $2k less at the time but I wanted the AX chassis.

 

[SRSDriver]

Those of you bummed out that you 'lost value' with the new AX being released need to think about why you bought an AI and what you expect it to do.

DTA has done the same thing each time, gen1 to gen 2, A1, etc. That is the cost of progress. If you want the latest, you will forever be playing the upgrade game, like folks who trade in vehicles.

I'm a DTA owner, who has patiently been saving for an AX. The new right folding stock has value for the type of shooting I do, so I'll probably keep saving and look for one, but every AI I've seen runs circles around anything else in reliability and overall performance, so I wouldn't feel bad about owning an 'old' model. The old ones shoot just like they did last week.

 

[10fp]

Bought mine in July for $7700. 7,000 and change after the 10% discount which I though I was offered for being "a nice guy". Not happy right now with either parties and I'm sure those who purchased around the same time I did are feeling the same way. Whatever the reason it just stinks when a product of this quality, that took me 2 years to save up for, drops in value by 30-40% percent in 6 months and the only reason for it is the manufacturer himself. One of the biggest reasons I purchased this rifle is the way I noticed they held their value. I guess you can flush that reason down the toilet. Now that I've spoken my mind the attack booth is open for comment.


P.S. I'm venting, thanks for listening

P.S.S. Holding on to it and using it is the most value I can get out of it, looks like a kidney is going up.....what are those going for?

I paid $5000 for mine new right about that time too. Where the heck did you find it for $2k more. I dont see AX's dropping below $4200-4500 used and all AE's will hold their value forever.

also, the folder AT is $4300 not $4000.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

the folder AT is $4300 not $4000.

Incorrect. I just preordered one and with the hide discount it was $4082 delivered.

 

[Jeeprider]

I feel for the people that bought any AI product and paid MSRP recently. I don't believe these rifles are investments. The companies change and upgrade them so often now that it makes it impossible. I had an AE MKII that I sold awhile back then purchased a DTA SRS which I also sold recently. Luckily I lost very little. I liked what the poster above said "your old AX shoots just as well as it did last week". You'll be losing a lot of money if you chase the latest, greatest. I'm sticking with my classic Tikka and Remington honestly they shoot just as well as my past designer rifles. I'm no operator and they fit my needs perfectly.

 

[Mirnyx]

I'm certainly not happy about the re-sale hit my AI's have taken in the last month or so but understand it happens. Bottom line, I didn't buy them as an investment and it's not like they turned in to a flaming pile of shit overnight. Old school AI's are still bad ass rifles that get the job done.

My guess is once the heavily discounted closeouts are gone from dealer shelves the market will settle in around 20%-25% less than the comparable new models. That's for low round count safe queens; adjust down based on condition / round-count. Ask yourself if you were buying a new AI how much cheaper would the used gun have to be to get your attention? Personally, the price would need to be 20%-25% lower or I'm buying new.

It will certainly be interesting to see how far prices drop on used AE's and short action AW's.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

With the AT it's going to be HARD to get money back out of the old AX short action. Before the big difference between the AW and AX was chassis but it was the same price. Now you have the AT and AX308MC sharing the same barreled action and the difference is chassis and $3k. That's a big difference especially since the AT chassis is the same as the old AX behind the magazine (with the exception of the new hinge latch). Other than that the only advantage I see to the old AX is the side cutout on the mag well, and the forend design. The forend design on the AT is just as good just different but the old AX lacks the quick change barrel feature which a lot of people are going to want because you don't need to drop $200 on a barrel vise and action wrench plus another $250 for a decent torque wrench. You change the barrel wherever you want with a $2 hex wrench and your dick beaters.

Like I said, my AX isn't going anywhere, it will be my main match rifle so I won't be playing musical barrels and don't want to. I can justify having the torque wrench and barrel vise for other stuff too so for me that's not an added expense to change barrel, just the $125 action wrench which I've already got.

I am looking to playing with this new AT though. I'd love to have an AX300MC but I just can't justify the price tag for a rifle that will get shot a few times a year.

 

[Olive]

I don't get it, why not increasing of the price of the new line by 15-20% at inception and decrease the old by 10% instead of decreasing the value of the old by as much as 40%. This will give owners of current rifles the ability to unload a little quicker and purchase new and let everyone know that value remains. Now only the cash cows(no offense) will be purchasing or those who are involved in the sport or those who were smart enough to know this was coming(DUH). Not trying to over think this just making conversation.

 

[Papagallos]

I'll buy it for $3500.

 

[Olive]

I'll buy it for $3500.

I would too!!! Does that suck or what. Thanks for the encouragement. Need a kidney by any chance....asking 6500 and comes with a Pelican case.LOL

 

[TallShot]

I'll be patiently waiting on the "old" rifle deals.

 

[Asperly Aimless]

Incorrect. I just preordered one and with the hide discount it was $4082 delivered.

That is a nice price. I'll be calling tomorrow to order. Now to see who can cut a couple .243 barrels...

 

[redneckbmxer24]

That is a nice price. I'll be calling tomorrow to order. Now to see who can cut a couple .243 barrels...

Call AI or mile high. They probably have them sitting on the shelf ready to go.

 

[Coloradocop]

I guess I kind of expected that the price of the new AI's would have gone up a bit, and thus preserved the value better on the old models. On the other hand, if they did that with each evolution of these rifles, eventually we'd reach a point where very few of us could afford one (they're definitely top-of-the-budget for me as they stand right now). Schmidt and Bender took the price increase approach when they released their new 3-27x scope a year or so after the 3-20x hit the shelves. Having just acquired a 3-20x prior to the release of the 3-27x, I guess I was kind of glad to see that my scope held its value. On the other hand, I also realize that I'll never likely find myself in the market for a 3-27x at the prices they are selling for. So, again, the whole thing is a bit of a double-edged sword.

I'm also in the boat of having JUST got an AIAX (though I'll admit that mine was a gift from my lovely girlfriend). Nevertheless, I certainly think about the value of the things I own, and have thus far not lost any money on any guns I've ever owned (when looking at today's prices vs the prices I paid for them). But, I've also never sold a gun in the past, and I think that's an important point of clarity if you intend to do so: the reason my guns have maintained their value is because I've had them for the long run. If I was buying guns and flipping them the very next year, I'd lose my shirt on them. But, held for long enough the guns still have all (thus far) produced a market resale value in excess of my purchase price.

Will the original versions of the AX prove to sell in this way (theoretically) on the used market? I really don't know. But, if I was thinking about selling mine (which I'm not), I'd probably wait a year or so. There will undoubtedly be some people out there who will buy the original AX rifle because they like (something about) it better. However, if those people are buying right now, they'll almost certainly buy from a dealer who is clearing out inventory at greatly reduced prices, or expect an even lower price from a private seller with a used gun. I think if you bought an AX in the $5-6K range you'll probably find that you can resell your used rifle at a decent price in the future; if you bought for $7K+ you may take a bit of a hit.

I know a couple of people who prefer the AWSM design to the AX338 design, and although that design is now essentially obsolete, they'd still pay a premium for a used rifle of that variety, rather than a used rifle of the newer variety. So, the same thing may happen with the AX originals... some folks may prefer the less-skeletonized version of the stock, or something else.

 

[Asperly Aimless]

Call AI or mile high. They probably have them sitting on the shelf ready to go.

I'll do that, and thank you. This is going to be awesome. Kind of sucks though because I just finished a SPR custom build, and had I known these were coming I would have just bought one of these!

 

[ColbyLang]

I bought my AE mk. iii on Christmas Eve, well knowing that the new rifles were coming out at SHOT. I made a helluva deal on my AE. 24" threaded, folder. I'll just save up some more nickels to buy my next one in the next year or two. I'm not selling my AE, I don't constitute it as a loss. Same shit happens when you buy a truck or car. FWIW, my AE shoots like a damn laser. Grab up that leftover inventory while you can boys!!!

 

[Mr_Happyface]

Shit, I BOUGHT an AW immediately after AI released their new offerings.

I wanted a long action, but don't like the AX for a variety of reasons (don't want quick change barrel, optic mounts too high, don't like design of stock) and I worried that the AT would not be offered in long action in the future - that suspicion was more or less confirmed by mile high in a post here.

So now I own a .300 win mag AW, I got it for a song and I'm jazzed. Don't know what I'm going to do with my .308 though...

 

[WhiskeyBravo]

In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with holding on to the rifle you have. Are you wanting to get the next gen line? If so, then what happens when they upgrade it again? You will be running a race you cannot win. Good rifle you got there.

All that plus 1.

 

[HodgdonExtreme]

I don't get it, why not increasing of the price of the new line by 15-20% at inception and decrease the old by 10% instead of decreasing the value of the old by as much as 40%. This will give owners of current rifles the ability to unload a little quicker and purchase new and let everyone know that value remains. Now only the cash cows(no offense) will be purchasing or those who are involved in the sport or those who were smart enough to know this was coming(DUH). Not trying to over think this just making conversation.

Resale value is a nice bragging right for a manufacturer to claim, but huge sales volume is king.

When AWs are at the $7k price point, custom rifles from excellent builders at ~$3500-4500 seem like a great deal.

AI is about to take a huge (HUGE) bite out of the custom rifle business.

 

[Bradu]

I am selling a rifle or two and saving up to buy an AX when they start hitting the classifieds. I don't need all the new features and like the original ax chassis better.

 

[nso123]

I am going to sit back and see when folks actually get the new toys in their hands, and see how long it is before the first price increase hits. I bet they won't be at the current prices long, and the older rifles will go back up in value. History repeats itself.

 

[madAB]

A good rifle, or in this case an excellent rifle, like the AE and AX don't suddenly become horrible 2 moa shooters because a new version comes out. They're still excellent high end rifles that a lot of people dream of affording.

The same thing happens with anything electronic, and cars every year, but on a much more sliding scale. When you buy a new car, and drive it off the lot, it loses about 11% in the first minute of ownership. After that, it loses 15%-25% a year. That doesn't stop a lot of people from buying a new car, and enjoying them.

Nobody likes to feel like they're losing money, but the fact is, you still got what you paid for whenever you bought your AI. I say we should continue to shoot, and enjoy them as I will with mine.

To the OP: It's hard to say exactly what your rifle is worth now. There will be probably be some who prefer the original AX to the new version, and will be willing to pay for it. Also, there will be some who don't want to wait another 2-3 months, or however long, if they don't get on the first batch. I would pick a number you want to get for the rifle, post it in the classifieds, and go from there.

 

[poison123]

And suddenly I'm very glad I sold my AX 6 weeks or so ago

 

[SFree]

The new rifles (AT) sold to the "private sector" individual do not have as much impact as a whole as will sales to LE departments who were not able to afford the previous rifle package as offered. AW action/chassis bond, quick change barrel system for dept. armorers for the AE price (or less) is a boone for them.

Although, I'll still never be able to afford one...

 

[Pusher591]

The old AX's (meaning, prior to this week) are still bad ass guns!!! Just think how you felt about your gun a few days ago before you knew anything about the new version. The new version is not anything close to leaps and bounds better, it just has a few nice upgrades. The AX weapon system you have now is still IMHO worth its weight and cost. You can still bet your life on the gun and it will serve you well.

Its all psychological. You think you have a gun that's not worth what you paid but that's not true. Just because the manufacturer and dealers price's change doesn't take anything away from the gun itself. It's still the BADASS AX it was last week

Don't over think it, enjoy and cherish the times you'll spend with it.

 

[mckenzie]

I bought my AW knowing full well the new models where coming out,(to me the AW is a classic) now i can buy the AT for less than the purchase price of my AW,and i am ok with that, the new AT is cheaper and at a better price point for my income level, only spec I don't like is the built in rail of the AT, it is good for the company and is great for the folks here that have wanted a AW in the past and now can afford one, things could have went the other way, no AT, just the AX and a large price increase then folks would have complained about the price , the trickle down specs. of the AW to the AT, i think was a smart move and should sell like hot cakes,sorry to ramble on, when are scopes prices going to come down to what they should be ? wish LEICA would make a scope for this market, which would make Schmidt Bender cry, just my ramble

 

[Runamuk]

AI is about to take a huge (HUGE) bite out of the custom rifle business.

I get what you're saying but respectfully disagree. Those guys that were in the market for a AW will still get the AW or the AT, but the guys who we're trying to come up with the funds to get an AE just took a setback. I bought my first bone stock AE for right at $2900, my second with a .260 barrel option came in at $3500. So for $3500 I could get all AI had to offer in the caliber of my choice and get it in a week, now I'm thinking the you'll be in it for closer to $3900ish for a bone stock .308 in a AT. I'm also thinking this takes you right up into very nice custom rifle price range in any caliber you choose. At that price point I'd take the custom route every time.

What drew me to the AIAE's in the first place was bang for the buck that they offered, I never thought they were better than a full custom build but I was getting custom performance at a lower price point, that price point isn't there anymore. You do still get to change your own barrels it's just now their closer to $800 which in my world is more than buying a new barrel and having my gunsmith install it, with my AE's it was a wash. Still love my AI's and I'll continue to shoot the piss out of them but now that they don't have a option cheaper than a custom rifle, I think I'll start being nicer to my gunsmith.

 

[HodgdonExtreme]

I get what you're saying but respectfully disagree. Those guys that were in the market for a AW will still get the AW or the AT, but the guys who we're trying to come up with the funds to get an AE just took a setback. I bought my first bone stock AE for right at $2900, my second with a .260 barrel option came in at $3500. So for $3500 I could get all AI had to offer in the caliber of my choice and get it in a week, now I'm thinking the you'll be in it for closer to $3900ish for a bone stock .308 in a AT. I'm also thinking this takes you right up into very nice custom rifle price range in any caliber you choose. At that price point I'd take the custom route every time.

What drew me to the AIAE's in the first place was bang for the buck that they offered, I never thought they were better than a full custom build but I was getting custom performance at a lower price point, that price point isn't there anymore. You do still get to change your own barrels it's just now their closer to $800 which in my world is more than buying a new barrel and having my gunsmith install it, with my AE's it was a wash. Still love my AI's and I'll continue to shoot the piss out of them but now that they don't have a option cheaper than a custom rifle, I think I'll start being nicer to my gunsmith.

Interesting perspective. The way I've viewed AIs, is I wanted to go balls-deep or go home, meaning AW or bust (mainly on account of the magazines and safety). When AW/AXs are at the $7k+ pricepoint, a $4000 custom looks damn good. When the AT (with all old AW goodness) is the same money as the custom, the AT is looking damn good.

 

[Olive]

The old AX's (meaning, prior to this week) are still bad ass guns!!! Just think how you felt about your gun a few days ago before you knew anything about the new version. The new version is not anything close to leaps and bounds better, it just has a few nice upgrades. The AX weapon system you have now is still IMHO worth its weight and cost. You can still bet your life on the gun and it will serve you well.

Its all psychological. You think you have a gun that's not worth what you paid but that's not true. Just because the manufacturer and dealers price's change doesn't take anything away from the gun itself. It's still the BADASS AX it was last week

Don't over think it, enjoy and cherish the times you'll spend with it.

Sincerely I will now enjoy it more then ever. The AX was, and is, my way to escape from everyday life. The escape doesn't come around as often as I would like but when it does the AX makes it euphoric. That being said a while back I was faced with a decision which is nearing fruition. I relied on the AX bringing in 6K, which clearly will not, certainly not now and told myself the opportunity to own it again would arrive. Think of it as a pawn for 6K for about 6 months. Now that we know it is out of the equation I can move forward knowing euphoria is in the safe whenever is needed, definitely sooner than later.
Thanks for the encouragement